CANTERBURY CRICKET

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21090, 15 February 1934, Page 7

CANTERBURY CRICKET

TO THE H'/ITOB OF Tilt; P*ESS. Sir,—l fully agree with your correspondent, '-Hopeful," in his criticism of Canterbury cricket. I have played and followed cricket for many years, and am of opinion that the standard of cricket in the province was never so poor as it is to-day, and the Canterbury representative team merits the wooden spoon after this season's Plunket Shield matches. The only match I saw was that against Otago when | the fielding, with the exception of that of Kerr and Riley, would have disgraced an old-time third XI. Compart it with that of the Recsees, Hickmott. Bishon, and others of pre-war times. It makes one weep. "Hopeful" saw four catches dropped in the slips in an hour last Saturday. I saw one man drop three the previous Saturday! As for throwing in, it is pitiful. Time after time in the Otago match the wicket-keeper had to run a dozen yards from the wicket to get the ball, and when it was thrown near the wicket it wus generally at his feet. At one time fielding was considered an essential Qualification; nowa days, if a man is considered a good batsman or bowler he is allowed to retain his place in a team on his qualities in cither of those departments of the game. He can make 50 runs and drop catches which give his opponent 100 and still retain the confidence of the selector. I think it is about time the managcI mrnt committee got out of the rut and made an effort to restore Canterbury's lost prestige. Of late years, it is a well accepted fact that it is harder to ;«t out of the Canterbury tear;: than to get into it. and I think a change from one to three selectors would be beneficial, and give merit a chance against reputation. Another matter the management mi "lit consider is the control of players on and off the field, regarding remarks and questioning decisions of the umpires. Attempts to "point' and caustic criticism of those m charge of the game should not be tolerated. The Rugby Union officials have more respect for their referees. Ido hope for the benefit of cricket in Chnstchurch. that the management will get rid oi tiic idea "that there is nothing so bad ihal might not be e,c, February 8, 1034.